In a talent-rich conference like the FCIAC, the city of Norwalk might be equipped to compete with the traditional girls soccer powerhouses of Greenwich, New Canaan and Darien if Brien McMahon and Norwalk high schools pooled their resources, Norwalk High coach Job Fernandez said.

"We're in a conference that every team is just top-notch," said Fernandez, the fourth-year coach whose team won only two games last year. "We're in the toughest conference in the state by far. To compete against the likes of Darien and Greenwich, New Canaan, Fairfield, these are teams that historically are very strong.

"They have the tradition, and that's something we're trying to build. And that doesn't happen in a year or two or even five really, especially when you split the talent pool in the town. It's an uphill battle, but we're up for the task."

Fernandez said his team lacks some of the standouts it has had in previous years. Two years ago, the team was led by All-FCIAC performer Carolyn Collins, who now plays for Fairfield University. And last year, Emily Rhoddy, a second-team all-FCIAC selection, paced the squad.

"In years past, we've had standouts like Carolyn Collins," Fernandez said. "We don't have a standout like that of her caliber this season. But I feel the level of play of the core of the team is much improved when compared to years past."

Several of his players competed on travel teams during the summer, and that helped them develop further.

"It's made a huge difference," Fernandez said.

The team captains are defender Skyler Buswell and midfielder Jenna Gentile.

The team's goalie is Jasmine Kishimoto, who spent the last three seasons as a defender.

"She looks pretty good in there for an individual who hasn't played goalie before," Fernandez said.